Uganda's Ham Sserunjogi named on President Joe Biden’s Advisory Council

The 12-member council, which was first unveiled in September, is hoped to enhance dialogue between the United States and the African Diaspora.

Its creation was proposed by President Biden when he met African Heads of State in Washington DC in December last year.

Sserunjogi is a Ugandan-born businessman who currently lives and works in San Francisco, California.

He is the co-founder and CEO of Chipper Cash, a revolutionary fintech that enables seamless money transfers across countries.

Other members of the council include Bishop Silvester Scott Beaman of Delaware, its Chairman; Mimi E. Alemayehou of Washington, Rosalind Brewer, actress Viola Davis, Helene D. Gayle, and Patrick Hubert Gaspard.

Others are C.D. Glin, Osagie Imasogie, Almaz Negash, Chinenye Joy Ogwumike and Kevin Young.

The council members were sworn in on Monday by US Vice President Kamala Harris, at the White House.

Harris, in her brief remarks, expressed enthusiasm about the prospects of enhancing US partnerships with African nations, with the advisory council bridging these efforts.

“I am excited that the work of the council is the work of, in some way, reintroducing ourselves as the United States to the continent of Africa,” she said.

“This inaugural meeting is really the beginning of the next phase of our commitment as the United States to the (African) continent and how we can strengthen our relations.”

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the council was created by President Biden “to give us advice, recommendations on how we can better strengthen ties between the people of African countries and the people of the United States.”

“In the months since the summit, the White House and the State Department have consulted stakeholders.  

“We’ve considered more than 100 candidates, and ultimately, we asked the 12 – as I think you’re quickly becoming known to serve in this vital role,” he added.